Fully Loaded Burger Bowl Sauce

If you crave a burger but want something lighter and fresher, these loaded burger bowls deliver all the flavors of your favorite burger with none of the bun. Perfect for weeknights or fun gatherings, they pack crisp lettuce, juicy beef, smoky bacon, tangy pickles, creamy guacamole, and a punchy special sauce all into one hearty bowl.

I first threw this together when I wanted burgers without the mess. Now it is my go to dinner when I want something filling but still loaded with fresh veggies.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: gives you that classic burger flavor but stays tender and moist if you pick fresh and not overly lean
• Garlic powder and salt: boost savoriness in the beef layer make sure your spices are fresh for bold flavor
• Avocado oil: is neutral and has a high smoke point so the beef browns beautifully use one labeled cold pressed for best quality
• Mayonnaise: gives the special sauce a creamy base opt for avocado oil mayo for a healthier option
• Ketchup: adds tomato tang for the sauce use a version with no high fructose corn syrup for cleaner taste
• Pure maple syrup or coconut aminos: lend mellow sweetness make sure your maple syrup is real and not pancake syrup
• Dill pickle relish: makes the sauce special look for one with whole ingredients for the brightest taste
• Dried minced onion: brings texture and savory notes in the sauce pick one with no additives
• Crushed red pepper flakes: give a mild kick and a nice visual touch choose a red pepper with good color
• Avocados: are creamy and mild for the guacamole pick ripe ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
• Fresh lemon juice: keeps the guacamole bright you want a firm lemon with a smooth skin that feels heavy
• Romaine lettuce: provides the perfect crunchy base pick heads with crisp leaves that are free of browning
• Red onions: become sweet and caramelized when sautéed a firm onion with shiny skin will give the best result
• Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes: add pop and freshness look for deeply colored and firm fruit
• Pickle chips: lend crunch and briny flavor cold packed pickles stay crisp
• Thick cut bacon: adds smoky richness best bacon has even fat marbling and no added sugars

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Burger Base:

Combine the ground beef garlic powder and salt in a medium bowl Use your hands or a large wooden spoon to blend until evenly mixed Take care not to overwork the beef so it stays tender

Brown the Beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat Add avocado oil swirling to coat the surface When hot add the beef mixture Cook breaking up with a spatula until browned and crumbled all the way through This should take about 8 to 10 minutes

Make the Special Sauce:

In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise ketchup maple syrup or coconut aminos dill pickle relish dried minced onion red pepper flakes and salt until smooth Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed then set aside

Mash the Guacamole:

Place avocados lemon juice and salt in a small bowl Mash with a fork until creamy but still a little chunky Taste and adjust salt or acid if needed

Char the Red Onions:

Once beef is done transfer it out and keep warm Add red onion slices to the same skillet over medium heat Sauté in a single layer until charred on one side then flip and char the other side Repeat in batches if necessary so you keep caramelization instead of steaming

Build Your Bowls:

Divide chopped romaine among four large bowls Top each with a generous portion of ground beef Add scoops of cherry tomatoes bacon crumbles pickle chips sautéed red onion and guacamole around the beef

Drizzle and Serve:

Spoon the special sauce liberally over each bowl Serve right away so every bite is crisp and fresh Keep extra sauce on the side

Save

The smoky bacon always steals the show for me I remember a backyard party where we ran out of buns but everyone raved about these burger bowls and I have never gone back to regular burgers since

Storage tips

Once assembled eat right away for the best crunch Store undressed components in separate containers in the fridge for up to three days Keep the sauce in an airtight jar and only slice tomato and avocado fresh right before serving to avoid sogginess

Ingredient substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version Substitute vegan mayo and coconut bacon for a dairy free and meatless bowl If out of romaine try chopped kale or mixed greens for the base

Serving suggestions

Serve these bowls with crispy oven fries a big plate of fresh fruit or extra pickles on the side They are delicious for lunch meal prep or a build your own burger bar at family gatherings

Cultural context

Burger bowls are a creative twist inspired by classic American diner fare They capture the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger but are modernized for low carb and gluten free eaters The special sauce is a spin on traditional burger spreads you find at old school burger joints

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef works best?

Lean ground beef is recommended for a rich flavor without excess grease, but any preferred ground beef will work well.

→ Can I make it dairy-free?

This bowl is naturally dairy-free as long as your mayonnaise is also dairy-free. Check ingredient labels as needed.

→ How do I prep the special sauce?

Simply mix mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, maple syrup (or coconut aminos), minced onion, and seasonings in a bowl until smooth.

→ Is it possible to substitute the protein?

Absolutely! Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles to suit your preferences.

→ What are good topping options?

Try extra pickles, shredded cheese (if desired), sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, diced onions, or even sautéed mushrooms to personalize each bowl.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving for best texture.